What Is a Popcorn Ceiling?

Popcorn ceilings, also known as point ceilings, acoustic ceilings, or cottage cheese ceilings, are a textured ceiling finish that was popular in residential construction from the 1950s to the 1980s. It has gained popularity due to its ability to hide flaws and provide sound insulation. Popcorn ceilings are so named because their texture resembles lumps or ridges, reminiscent of the texture of popcorn or cottage cheese. It is created by applying a mixture of drywall mortar or grout to the ceiling surface and then using a spray gun or roller to create a textured pattern. The texture helps to reduce sound reflections and absorb noise.

Popcorn ceilings fell out of favor in recent years due to changing design preferences, as well as concerns about potential health risks associated with some older popcorn ceiling materials containing asbestos. Asbestos was used in popcorn ceilings until the late 1970s when its use was largely phased out due to health concerns. If your home was built before the late 1970s and you suspect the presence of asbestos, it is essential to hire a professional to assess and handle the removal safely.

DIY Removing Popcorn Ceilings

DIY popcorn removal is a major project for most homeowners. Removing the popcorn texture directly from the ceiling will require 2-4 days of intensive work for a small bedroom and 4-8 days for a large room. In fact, larger rooms such as living rooms or kitchens with vaulted ceilings will take longer. Needless to say, you'll need to buy a scraper, sander, putty knife, joint sealer, rags, joint tape, and drywall mortar from your home repair or hardware store. For high ceilings, you will need to purchase or rent a ladder.

Similarly, you will need several coats of paint and primer to ensure a smooth ceiling finish when the job is complete. The total cost of DIY popcorn ceiling removal materials ranges from $274 to $1,382. As you know, everything depends on the area of ​​​​the room and the height of the ceiling. For larger ceiling popcorn removal jobs, you may need to purchase or rent a professional airless sprayer to cover the surface. Don't forget goggles, dust masks, and all that wasted plastic and tape while preparing your home décor.

The Cost Factor for Removing Popcorn from the Ceiling

Several factors affect the cost of popcorn removal, including ceiling size, local wages, and more.

Size

The overall size of your project will play a large role in how much you will pay to remove your popcorn ceiling. Local popcorn removers often charge $1 to $2 per square foot or $15 to $40 per hour. A 500 square foot project can cost between $300 and $750. The cost to remove popcorn ceilings in an entire one-story home typically ranges from $900 to $2,840.

Complexity

If the project is difficult, the expert may charge more. For example, high ceilings require large stairs and additional prep work. Workers should take special care when removing popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos or lead. Painted ceilings don't scratch easily, so they take more time and effort.

Ingredient

It doesn't take many materials to make a popcorn ceiling. If you're doing it yourself, you'll need protective gear, a scraper, spray can, ladder, and sandpaper. Hiring a professional drywall installer will bring you everything you need to get the job done.

Preparation

Removing popcorn from the ceiling is very messy and requires a lot of preparation. First you need to remove as much furniture as possible from the room. In addition to keeping these items clean, moving furniture can eliminate tripping hazards and provide more work space for you or the professionals you hire.

Labor

Depending on the condition of your popcorn ceiling, the removal process can be labor intensive.

Labor typically includes:

Prepare the space (remove furniture, cover walls and floors with plastic cloth, remove ceiling fans and light fixtures). 
We clean the ceiling. 
Asbestos removal is possible. 
garbage disposal. 
Clean your space. Costs range from $15 to $40 per hour, and projects can take 20 hours or more depending on the size of the room.

Alternatives to Removing Popcorn

If your current substrate is old and cannot withstand scratches, Armstrong Ceilings suggests doing one of the following:

Busyboard - Nail gypsum sheets to the ceiling. This will give the ceiling a slightly rustic feel. $2.50 to $4.20 per square foot (for Armstrong products) 
Metal - Nails or screws in patterned metal tile, brass, copper, chrome, white or lacquered steel options. $4 to $9+ per square foot 
Decorative Stucco or Tin Tiles - 12" x 12" mineral fiber tiles. "Apply directly to the ceiling using the Armstrong Easy Up Mounting System or adhesive." $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot 
Ceiling panels under the tree - the feeling of a country house. $2.50 to $4.20 per square foot 
Drywall - Cover with new drywall. This will lower your ceiling by about an inch, which may lower your resale value, but it will add better insulation to your attic. Some contractors recommend using drywall instead of standard drywall because it is lighter. Screw it to the frame and dust and tape it before painting.

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